On Saturday, Councilman Mark Capodanno (R-Centerport) partnered with the New York Metropolitan USO to hold a Holiday Card Drive to let our GIs know that Americans at home care about them and appreciate their sacrifice for their country this holiday season.

Councilman Capodanno said, "The response was overwhelming. I think we accomplished exactly what we had in mind—reach out to our GIs when they need it the most." Capodanno said that in addition to a tremendous out pouring of personal sentiments, shoppers donated over $2000 to the USO to help keep up its good work.

"The cards were signed by young and old alike and they came from the heart," continued Capodanno. "I was amazed how eager children were to send a message." He said that most children spent considerable time crafting their letters and painstakingly drawing pictures to accompany their greeting to those far away.

One little girl wrote: " Dear Soldiers, thank you for saving our world, Love Ashley".

Another, Kyle, wrote, " I love you, thank you for fighting for us." He also wanted his pen pal to know how old he was, adding, "Love Kyle, age 5-in-1/2" .

There were grown-ups touching hearts as well. A wife whose husband would soon to be deployed to Iraq, stopped to thank Councilman Capodanno and the USO. Capodanno responded: "No, no, we thank you and your husband for your service to America what you both are sacrificing is so much more than we can ever do". Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers of soldiers who are already serving in Iraq stopped at the USO table, where they shared fears and sometimes tears, before writing a brief message to a GI they did not know but was fighting along side their loved one. Said Capodanno, "Their selflessness is unimaginable, it is truly a humbling experience."

The volunteer team spent more than ten hours at the mall, which required volunteers working in shifts and they came from all walks of life. Tracey Golden and Lisa Farmer, members of the Walt Whitman High School Key Club, signed up for two hours and stayed all day because they felt so good knowing they were bringing a little piece of home to our men and women overseas. Kristen Aramande and Caitlyn Dailey, students in Ms. Tedeschi's Government class at Huntington High School, also wanted to be part of the day. There was a professional engineer and mother of three, a crossing guard whose son is away at college; a member of the Knights of Columbus, a local business owner and a school teacher with her husband.

Cathers thanked all the volunteers. "Everyone has been simply terrific! We are already making plans with the Councilman for Valentines Day! The USO has found wonderful and true friends in Councilman Capodanno and the Huntington community."

For those who still want to send a greeting, cards are available at the front desk of Town Hall along with a return envelope. You can also make a contribution to the USO, a charitable, not-for-profit agency that depends on the support of individuals. The USO serves GIs all over the globe. It operates mobile centers with a friendly smile and a warm cup of coffee on a cold day, helps plan events like this one at the Walt Whitman Mall and even arranges video conference calls between soldiers and their families, so they can see the faces of their loved ones as well as hear their voices.